Best Fact Checking Health Claims Podcasts (2025)

1
Numbers of the year 2025 8:58

10m ago8:58

8:58

We look back at some stand out numbers of 2025. How significant were Trump’s import tariffs? China sets the pace for solar power installation across the globe. We also look upwards to a particularly speedy comet - 3i Atlas. Presenter: Tim Harford Producers: Charlotte McDonald and Katie SolleveldProduction Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleSound Mix: Rod …

1
The BPC-157 Miracle: Why Rats Aren't People (And Why Athletes Are Being Sold Unproven Peptides) 18:05

2d ago18:05

18:05

A stunning revelation about BPC-157, the 'revolutionary' healing peptide that promises miraculous injury recovery—but has never been proven in humans. Despite decades of impressive rat studies showing remarkable tissue regeneration, only three tiny human studies exist, with zero rigorous clinical trials. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and WADA ha…

1
The 90% Alzheimer's Blood Test Breakthrough—What the Headlines Got Wrong 17:13

4d ago17:13

17:13

A groundbreaking blood test claims to identify Alzheimer's with 90% accuracy—but what if the headline doesn't tell the whole story? When media celebrated a seemingly revolutionary diagnostic tool, the actual research told a far more nuanced tale. This episode dives deep into a Nature Medicine study that promises hope but reveals critical gaps betwe…

1
Were there really Three Wise Men? 28:04

1d ago28:04

28:04

The surprising things we learn when we count everyone - a tour of the UK census through time. We also figure out just how many parking officers there are versus soldiers in the British army. Who really does all the housework? Plus - 20 years of ‘Freakonomics’ with Stephen Dubner. And finally - were there really three wise men who visited baby Jesus…

1
The Sea Moss Myth: Why TikTok's Favorite Superfood Isn't What It Claims 16:13

6d ago16:13

16:13

Uncover the shocking truth behind sea moss, the viral 'superfood' taking over social media. Despite influencers and celebrities claiming miraculous benefits for acne, anxiety, and weight loss, this episode reveals a startling reality: zero human clinical trials support these dramatic health claims. Experts expose how a single unverified number abou…

1
The shocking world of US health costs 8:59

5d ago8:59

8:59

A loyal listener wrote in to question this claim made by neuroscientist Dr Daniel Levitin: "Here in the US valium in a pharmacy might be $3 that same pill in a hospital setting might be $750." Our listener was shocked at how one pill can cost 250 x more in a hospital setting than in a pharmacy. But can it? Sort of. We turned to Elisabeth Rosenthal …

1
Dopamine Detox: Why Your Brain Can't Actually Reset 15:32

9d ago15:32

15:32

Can you really 'reset' your brain's dopamine system in just seven days by avoiding all pleasure? Social media wellness trends promise a miraculous digital detox that'll cure phone addiction—but neuroscience tells a dramatically different story. This episode demolishes the viral 'dopamine detox' myth by revealing how this trendy approach fundamental…

1
Court update: The battle over evidence 20:30

6d ago20:30

20:30

A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt? The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upcoming state trial for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024. This includes statements made to the police d…

1
The Magnesium Myth: Why the 'Miracle Mineral' Might Not Help You Sleep 15:25

11d ago15:25

15:25

The 'sleepy girl mocktail' has taken TikTok by storm, with influencers claiming magnesium is a miracle cure for sleep and anxiety. But what does the science really show? A groundbreaking German study reveals a shocking truth: the much-hyped supplement offers only modest benefits. While magnesium did improve sleep severity scores, the effect was sma…

1
Do we really have ‘superflu’? 28:38

8d ago28:38

28:38

The NHS is warning of an unprecedented flu season - we check what the numbers say. Is there really a mass exodus of Brits leaving the UK due to Labour tax policies? We look at the latest emigration figures. We take a look at the prison service’s curious habit of letting prisoners out early – or keeping them in for too long - is there a trend? Plus …

1
The GLP-1 Alzheimer's Myth: When Headlines Crash Into Reality 18:19

13d ago18:19

18:19

A shocking medical headline claimed weight loss drugs like Ozempic could slash Alzheimer's risk by 45% - but what if the story was too good to be true? This episode unravels a critical medical mystery, exposing how a sensational claim derived from observational studies completely fell apart when rigorous clinical trials were conducted. Listeners wi…

1
The Batman Effect: Do weird surprises make people nicer? 47:16

13d ago47:16

47:16

Description Nobody expects Batman—but when he shows up in a crowded subway car, are people suddenly more likely to help a passenger in need? This week on Normal Curves, we unpack a recent quasi-experimental field study involving a caped superhero costume, a prosthetic pregnancy belly, and some puzzled Italian commuters. Along the way, we demystify …

1
RCP 8.5: Why did the climate change model get it wrong? 8:57

12d ago8:57

8:57

Whether we like it or not, global warming is happening. The global temperature has already gone up, and it’s going to go up more, because the atmosphere is already full of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and we’re continuing to add to that stock. Quite how much it will increase by is a very important question for all of us. Until relativ…

1
Does Exercise Really Shrink Tumors? The Mouse Study Trap 15:00

16d ago15:00

15:00

A shocking headline claims exercise shrinks tumors by 60%—but there's a critical catch. This episode reveals how a Yale study on mice has been dramatically misrepresented by media, turning preliminary research into false hope. We dive deep into the crucial gap between laboratory findings and human health, exposing how a single mouse study was trans…

1
Did South Africa’s anti-migrant group leader say her parents are Zimbabwean? 10:28

13d ago10:28

10:28

In this episode of “What's Crap on WhatsApp?”, we look at four viral claims: Is this video of South Africa’s anti-migrant group leader saying her parents are Zimbabwean real? https://bit.ly/dabula_deepfake Is South Africa introducing R1,000 banknotes or discontinuing the R200 note? https://bit.ly/sa_banknote Yes, the founder of NGO Gift of the Give…

1
Why Two Studies Say Opposite Things About Coffee—And What You Should Actually Know 15:44

18d ago15:44

15:44

Breaking news claims morning coffee slashes heart disease risk by 31%, but is it too good to be true? This episode dives deep into the sensational headline that's got coffee drinkers everywhere questioning their habits. Beneath the eye-catching statistic lies a complex scientific story of how observational research can mislead. We'll expose the cri…

1
The Sweetener Switcheroo: Why Diet Soda Isn't the Weight-Loss Win You Think It Is 16:41

20d ago16:41

16:41

Are diet sodas secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts? A provocative headline claims artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, but the real story is far more nuanced. Media reports dramatically oversimplify complex scientific research, turning preliminary microbiome findings into sensationalist health warnings. By diving deep into randomized c…

1
Is RFK right about US sperm counts? 8:58

19d ago8:58

8:58

Around the world, many countries are concerned about tackling the decline in birth rates and total fertility rates. The US is no exception. To tackle this issue the US government announced that it would provide subsidies for Americans seeking IVF treatment. The announcement was accompanied by one suspect sounding stat from US Health Secretary Rober…

1
Nature's Ozempic? How Berberine Marketing Outran the Science 18:55

23d ago18:55

18:55

Is berberine really 'nature's Ozempic' as social media claims? With 127 million TikTok views, this trending supplement promises dramatic weight loss—but the scientific reality is shockingly different. Diving deep into the research, we expose how a small 2008 pilot study has been wildly misrepresented by supplement marketers. While berberine shows m…

1
Can Exercise Really Slow Brain Aging? Why One Study's Claims Don't Add Up 15:14

25d ago15:14

15:14

A shocking headline claims that muscle can keep your brain young, but what if the science doesn't match the sensationalism? This episode dissects a recent Washington University study that found a correlation between muscle mass and 'younger-looking' brain scans. We'll expose the critical gap between media hype and scientific reality: this is an obs…

1
The 99% Accuracy Illusion: What That Viral Smartwatch Study Really Shows 13:52

27d ago13:52

13:52

A viral headline claims your Apple Watch can detect heart disease with 99% accuracy—but what if this sensational statistic is dangerously misleading? Researchers presented a preliminary study suggesting AI-powered smartwatch ECGs might screen for structural heart disease, but the reality is far more nuanced. With only 86% sensitivity, the test miss…

1
Holiday Survival Guide Part 2: The survey study edition 1:04:01

27d ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Does the temperature of your coffee six months ago really predict whether you feel gassy today? This week we dissect a new nutrition survey study on hot and cold beverage habits that claims to connect drink temperature with gut symptoms, anxiety, and more—despite relying on year-old memories and a blizzard of statistical tests. It’s the perfect cas…

1
Richard Thaler and The Winner’s Curse 8:57

26d ago8:57

8:57

In the later part of the 20th century, a pioneering group of economists started shaking up their academic field. These “behavioural economists” used findings from experimental psychology and everyday life to challenge the prevailing view that human beings were rational decision makers – acting in predictable ways to maximize their wealth. One of th…

1
Your Plastic Brain: Separating Detection From Disease 14:22

1M ago14:22

14:22

A shocking headline claims microplastics in your brain are causing dementia—but what does the science really say? A groundbreaking Nature Medicine study detected unprecedented levels of plastic particles in human brain tissue, triggering global panic. However, the researchers themselves explicitly warn against assuming these findings prove causatio…

1
Are these photos proof of xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg in November 2025? 7:55

1M ago7:55

7:55

In this episode of “What's Crap on WhatsApp?”, we look at four viral claims: Are these photos proof of xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg in November 2025? https://bit.ly/xenophobic_attacks Does this video show post-election protests in Tanzania? https://bit.ly/protests_tanzania No, clove water cannot ‘destroy cancer cells in 48 hours’. https://bit…

1
Do Fruit Flies Live Forever? Why Animal Fasting Studies Don't Prove Human Longevity 15:12

1M ago15:12

15:12

Breaking news claims intermittent fasting is the secret to living longer, but what if those dramatic headlines are based on fundamentally flawed science? This episode dives deep into the gap between sensational wellness claims and actual research. We expose how studies on fruit flies and microscopic worms have been dramatically misinterpreted as pr…

1
Ozempic Face: Is Your Drug Aging You, or Is Rapid Weight Loss? 8:37

1M ago8:37

8:37

A sensational health headline claims GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic cause 'premature aging' with hollowed, saggy faces. But what if the real story is dramatically different? This episode unravels the truth behind 'Ozempic face,' exposing how a catchy term invented by a cosmetic dermaturer has transformed normal weight loss effects into a medi…

1
Is there a stock market crash coming? 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

For months, the share prices of tech companies have marched seemingly-ever upward, driven by fevered excitement about the potential of Artificial Intelligence. But many are now voicing fears that this surge might turn out to be a bubble, which could burst with damaging effects. So do we have to rely on vibes? Or can we use data to tell us about the…

1
Does Metformin Sabotage Your Workout? The Study Headlines Won't Tell You 14:33

1M ago14:33

14:33

A deep dive into a 2025 study about metformin's interaction with exercise. Explore how sensationalist headlines misrepresent scientific research by claiming the medication 'sabotages' workouts, when the actual research shows only a modest reduction in exercise adaptations—not an elimination of benefits. A quick note—the opinions and analysis shared…

1
Brain Training Hype: Why One Biomarker Doesn't Reverse Aging 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

Alex and Bill break down a viral headline claiming brain training can reverse 10 years of aging. They reveal the study's actual findings: a small biomarker change with no significant cognitive improvement, highlighting the gap between scientific research and sensationalist health reporting. A quick note—the opinions and analysis shared on Truth See…

1
Is Dark Chocolate Actually Good for Diabetes? The 21% Headline That Leaves Out Everything 14:29

1M ago14:29

14:29

Alex and Bill deconstruct a viral BMJ study claiming dark chocolate reduces diabetes risk by 21%. They expose how media headlines misrepresent observational research, revealing the critical difference between correlation and causation in health reporting. The episode breaks down relative vs. absolute risk, highlighting how healthy lifestyle choices…

1
Holiday Survival Guide: How to talk about scientific studies around the dinner table 1:01:46

1M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Does a little alcohol really make you speak a foreign language better? This week we unpack a quirky randomized trial that tested Dutch pronunciation after a modest buzz—and came to the opposite conclusion the researchers expected. We use it as the perfect holiday case study: instead of arguing with Uncle Joe at the dinner table, we’ll show you how …

1
Has there been a $50 trillion wealth transfer to the richest Americans? 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

Bernie Sanders says a vast amount of wealth - $50 trillion - has moved from 90% of the population to the wealthiest Americans since the 1970s. The figure comes from a study by Carter Price, a senior mathematician at nonprofit research institute the RAND Corporation. Tim Harford speaks to Carter to understand how he calculated his figures and what t…

1
The Vaccine That 'Reduces' Dementia Risk: What the Headlines Miss About Correlation vs. Causation 15:55

1M ago15:55

15:55

A deep dive into a recent Oxford study claiming the Shingrix vaccine could reduce dementia risk. Experts Alex and Bill break down the critical difference between an interesting scientific association and proven causation, exposing how headlines misrepresent complex medical research. They explore propensity score matching, healthy vaccinee bias, and…

1
South Africa’s NPA head Shamila Batohi did not call her tenure a ‘horror movie’. 8:53

1M ago8:53

8:53

In this episode of “What's Crap on WhatsApp?”, we look at four viral claims: Did South Africa’s departing prosecuting authority head Shamila Batohi call her tenure a ‘horror movie’? https://bit.ly/shamila_batohi ‍Does this picture show a transformed Johannesburg street after a market was shut down in October 2025? https://bit.ly/joburg_street No, t…

1
The Cold Plunge Myth: Why Temporary Stress Relief Isn't a Cardiac Upgrade 14:24

2M ago14:24

14:24

A deep dive into the viral cold plunge trend revealing scientific evidence that challenges influencer claims. Explore how temporary physiological responses are being marketed as lasting health improvements, with hidden cardiac risks that most people don't understand.By Worleybird Innovation Works

1
#BeanTok: The Superfood Hype That's Making People Bloated 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

Investigative deep dive into the viral TikTok trend claiming two cups of beans daily can cure anxiety. Alex and Bill break down the scientific reality behind the 'BeanTok' phenomenon, exploring the gut-brain connection, actual research on legumes and mental health, and the often-ignored digestive consequences of sudden high-fiber intake.…

1
The NAD+ Miracle That Isn't: Why Celebrities' Favorite Anti-Aging IV Therapy Falls Short of the Hype 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

Investigative deep dive into NAD+ IV therapy, exposing the massive gap between celebrity endorsements and scientific evidence. Explores how minimal human research, biological limitations, and placebo effects drive a multi-million dollar wellness trend costing patients thousands per year.By Worleybird Innovation Works

1
Is RFK Jr right about China's diabetes rate? 8:56

2M ago8:56

8:56

The US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr is on a mission to make America healthy again. One of his health-promotion ideas is to reduce chronic illness, specifically diabetes. And has part of his campaign he said that: "a typical pediatrician would see one case of diabetes in his lifetime, over a 40 or 50 year career. Today, 1 out of every 3 kid…

1
Shingles Shot and Dementia: Could one vaccine protect your brain? 1:12:58

2M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

What do chickenpox and shingles have to do with your brain? This week, we dig into two 2025 headline-grabbing studies that link the shingles shot to lower dementia rates. We start in Wales, where a birthday cutoff turned into the perfect natural experiment, and end in the U.S. with a multi-million-person megastudy. Featuring bias-variance Goldilock…

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Fact Checking Health Claims Podcasts

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